Earlier today, Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigation/Lafayette Field Office arrested Boyd J. Adams, the Police Chief of Kaplan, for charges related to theft and malfeasance in office.

The investigation began after a complaint was made alleging Adams stole money from the department, a spokesman said.

During the investigation, Detectives determined that Adams was unable to provide receipts or records documenting his use of over $19,000 of Kaplan Police Department funds. Investigators allegedly were able to determine Adams used nearly $7,000 of the amount for personal purposes.

In September of 2017, an arrest warrant was issued for Adams for violation of Theft over $5,000 and Malfeasance in Office. Adams was booked into the Vermilion Parish Jail.

Shortly after he was booked, Adams posted $15,000 bond and was released.

Kaplan Mayor Kirk Champagne has issued the following statement on the arrest of Chief Boyd Adams:

"I'm truly at a loss for words. Our great city will overcome this as we always do. We need to pray for him and his family this terrible time."

Adams was arrested this morning by Louisiana State Police.

State Police have confirmed the arrest is related to an audit that found a bank account was being operated by the chief without city officials' knowledge.

That audit, which you can read for yourself below, resulted in Adams being cited by the state Legislative Auditor for not reporting the funds.

The Legislative Auditor's investigation found 149 transactions totaling $17,140 into a Kaplan Police Recreation Account. The audit says the only authorized signature on the now closed account was Adams.

At the time, Adams said the account was opened in 1990 by a former police chief. He said it has been used by four other chiefs of police.

Of the $17,140 in transactions, 59 transactions worth $7,650 have no documentation to support the reason for the cash deposits.